U.S. patent application number 11/271178 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for electronic reminder device and related method.
Invention is credited to David Martin McCracken, Michael Scott McCracken, Shirley Jean Byler McCracken.
Application Number | 20060109750 11/271178 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36460810 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060109750 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCracken; Michael Scott ;
et al. |
May 25, 2006 |
Electronic reminder device and related method
Abstract
An electronic reminder, the alert feature of which uses visual
and/or audible alert signals, with customizable surface areas. The
surface areas include an area onto which a distributor of the
reminder can apply information specific to a known end user or user
group. A surface area of the housing also permits a purchaser of
relatively small quantities of the invention to apply their own
promotional information prior to redistribution to their customers.
Another area of the housing includes a surface area of such
material as to allow the end user to handwrite information
associated with the reminding function, such as the storage
location and brand name (or product type) of a particular item, or
a task. A display device permits a user-defined, reminder-related
visual cue (for example, a photograph) to be held in place and
displayed. Additionally, the reminder may include a heart-shaped
lens that illuminates when the alert occurs, flashing (and/or
sounding) in the familiar rhythm of a human heartbeat to call
attention to information about which the user is being
reminded.
Inventors: |
McCracken; Michael Scott;
(Nashville, TN) ; McCracken; Shirley Jean Byler;
(Nashville, TN) ; McCracken; David Martin;
(Nashville, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
W. EDWARD RAMAGE
COMMERCE CENTER SUITE 1000
211 COMMERCE ST
NASHVILLE
TN
37201
US
|
Family ID: |
36460810 |
Appl. No.: |
11/271178 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60626740 |
Nov 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
368/244 ;
340/309.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G04F 1/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
368/244 ;
340/309.16 |
International
Class: |
G04B 23/02 20060101
G04B023/02; G08B 1/00 20060101 G08B001/00 |
Claims
1. A timer, comprising: a housing having a plurality of surfaces,
including but not limited to a front surface and a back surface,
the housing defining a cavity; timing circuit means disposed within
the cavity; a lens connected to the housing; alert means activated
by the timing circuit after the passage of a period of time; and
control means coupled to said timer and operable to cause said
timer to initiate a timing cycle.
2. The timer of claim 1, wherein the lens comprises the shape of a
heart.
3. The timer of claim 1, wherein the alert means comprises a light
source, an audible indicator, or both.
4. The timer of claim 3, wherein the light source comprises one or
more light emitting diodes.
5. The timer of claim 3, wherein the light source is located behind
the lens.
6. The timer of claim 3, wherein the light source flashes on and
off in time with a human heart-beat.
7. The timer of claim 3, wherein the audible indicator is a series
of sounds in the rhythm of a human heartbeat.
8. The timer of claim 1, wherein the control means comprises a
reset button on the front surface.
9. The timer of claim 1, wherein the lens also functions as the
control means.
10. The timer of claim 1, further comprising a battery isolator
pull-tab.
11. The timer of claim 1, further comprising a handwriting surface
area on a surface of the housing.
12. The timer of claim 1, further comprising display holding means
on a surface of the housing.
13. The timer of claim 12, wherein the display holding means
comprises a clear plastic sleeve.
14. The timer of claim 12, wherein the display holding means
comprises a display compartment and an insertion slot, with a
retaining protrusion at one end of the insertion slot.
15. The timer of claim 1, further comprising a logo indicia area on
a surface of the housing.
16. The timer of claim 1, further comprising a database information
surface area on a surface of the housing.
17. The timer of claim 1, further comprising mounting means.
18. The timer of claim 17, wherein the mounting means is a magnet
affixed to the rear surface of the housing.
19. The timer of claim 1, wherein the particular timing cycle
initiated depends on either the length of time the control means is
activated or pushed, or the number of times the control means is
activated or pushed in sequence.
20. A timer, comprising: a housing having a plurality of surfaces,
including but not limited to a front surface and a back surface,
the housing defining a cavity; timing circuit means disposed within
the cavity; a heart-shaped lens connected to the housing; display
means on one or more surfaces of the housing; alert means activated
by the timing circuit after the passage of a period of time; and
control means coupled to said timer and operable to cause said
timer to initiate a timing cycle.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/626,740, filed Nov. 11, 2004, by David
McCracken, and is entitled in whole or in part to that filing date
for priority. The specification Provisional Patent Application No.
60/626,740 is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an electronic reminder
device. More particularly it relates to an electronic reminder
device with customizable surface areas for end-user specific
information, or for distributors to direct specific information to
end users or user groups, permitting user-defined information,
photographs, or similar material to be displayed and recorded to
enhance the reminding function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of standard electronic timers and reminder devices
for assisting consumers to remember to do various tasks, such as to
attend a meeting, make a telephone call, or take medication, is
well known. The configuration of such reminders varies widely
depending on the particular application. Examples range in
complexity from simple egg or oven timers used in food preparation
to date-book alerting applications in cellular telephones. General
purpose electronic reminders and timers also are known which permit
the consumer to apply the device to whatever reminding purpose they
determine to be within its capabilities.
[0004] An example of the use of such devices in the current art is
in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Veterinary medications
are often prescribed to be administered on a once-per-month basis.
When a busy pet owner forgets to give a dose on time, their pet's
health can be jeopardized. Furthermore, when forgetfulness causes
an infrequent task like administering monthly heartworm medication
to be postponed or altogether forgotten, the manufacturer or
distributor of the medication suffers a delay until the consumer
returns to purchase the next prescription. In the analysis of a
given accounting period, this delayed revenue clearly represents
lost revenue to the veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer or
distributor.
[0005] Pet owner forgetfulness is a problem that so affects pet
health and so negatively impacts the revenues of the veterinary
pharmaceutical industry, that companies within the industry have
made substantial investments to overcome it. For example, some
companies offer monthly e-mail alerts or telephone calls to remind
their customers to give each monthly dose on time. Likewise, some
veterinary clinics will mail postcards to their customers as a
reminder. Such remedies, however, are limited in that the pet owner
may not be at home or near the medication when they receive the
communication, leaving them subject again to the risk that the pet
owner will forget to follow through with the task.
[0006] A number of electronic reminders are available for companies
to provide to their pet owning customers to remind them to
administer monthly pet medicine on time. However, the unique nature
of such an infrequent task calls for features not served by
currently-known electronic reminders. Current devices do not allow
the end user to record undivided from the reminder information
about the task that may be forgotten in the intervening month since
the last dose. In addition, there is a risk that a note may be lost
before the next alerting cycle, a risk that increases as the length
of time between reminding intervals increases. All known reminders
have a housing surface that is made of various types of plastic.
These surfaces do not provide an area for writing helpful
information related to the reminding function, and their housing
material has such high smoothness and resiliency against markings
that it is an unsuitable medium for pen or pencil notations. To the
extent the consumer can recall they are reminded to administer pet
medicine, the product provides no specific information about what
brand (or type) of medicine the user is reminded to administer, or
where it is stored. Therefore, a busy pet owner may be reminded
about their pet generally, without knowing precisely what it is
they are to do or where they are to get the product they need to do
it with. Current devices also do not help the end user who owns
more than one pet to be able to distinguish one reminder from
another so that doses are not improperly administered. Moreover,
such devices do not permit easy and cost-effective branding by
small-quantity distributors of such reminders, such as a veterinary
clinic.
[0007] Furthermore, consumers using an electronic reminder over
many months may grow bored of it and either stop using it or
discard it altogether, due to a lack of an interesting
consumer-oriented purpose to entice the user to enjoy the reminder
for longer periods of time for reasons beyond the basic reminding
function Thus, what is needed is an electronic reminder with
customizable surface areas for use by the end-user, and for use by
distributors to direct specific information to end users or user
groups, and permitting user-defined information to be displayed and
recorded to enhance the reminding function and encourage prolonged
use of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention is directed to an electronic reminder device,
the alert feature of which uses visual and/or audible alert
signals, with a surface suitable for tailoring information to the
alerting function both by the product distributor and by the end
user. The device includes a means of holding or fixing the reminder
device at a convenient location, such as a magnet for attaching it
to a metallic appliance, such as a refrigerator. Alternatively, the
device could be placed on a wire stand, or in certain
configurations, could be freestanding. The present invention is
particularly described in connection with application as an
electronic reminder for distribution to pet owners for helping them
remember to administer monthly pet medicines on time, but it may,
of course, be used in any application where an electronic reminder
is used.
[0009] The electronic reminder device comprises a housing, power
source, timer circuitry, visual and/or audible signals to alert the
user at the appointed time, and an input (or inputs) to permit the
user to program or otherwise activate and acknowledge the alerting
function. While the timing of the alerts can vary, in one exemplary
embodiment, the device provides alerts on a monthly basis.
[0010] In one exemplary form, one or more surfaces, including but
not limited to the front or top surfaces, of the housing provide
one or more writing areas conducive to handwriting information
related to the reminding function. The writing area may comprise
material comparable to the signature strip found on the back of
consumer credit cards, whereupon the user signs her name for
identity authentication. Alternatively, the writing area can
comprise material where the written information can be erased and
the writing area reused.
[0011] With prompting from the simple instructions under a blank
space of proper length and surface quality, a customer can then
write, for example, "heartworm medicine" above a "medicine type"
line and "kitchen desk drawer" above a "location" line. This
feature permits, for example, a veterinary pharmaceutical
manufacturer or distributor to avoid the expense of purchasing and
warehousing a reminder branded for each medicine their customers
purchase. Furthermore, this feature makes the disclosed invention
flexible and user customizable to their particular product type and
storage preferences, enhancing the electronic reminder's ability to
assist the consumer with complete information at the time the task
is to be done.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the housing may be designed
to hold in place and display a user-defined/selected,
reminder-related visual cue. For example, a transparent Lexan or
Plexiglass sleeve, affixed to the front surface of the reminder,
permits the user to insert a photograph of the pet to which the
reminder applies. Alternatively, a series of slots or grooves may
be used, or a display compartment. In one embodiment, the display
feature may comprise three raised grooves along three sides of a
rectangle, where a photograph or picture may be inserted through
the open fourth side. In the case of homes with multiple pets, the
display feature consequently makes it easy for the owner to know
which reminder is for which pet. Additionally, this feature makes
the present invention double as a picture frame and therefore
presents itself as a more interesting and aesthetically acceptable
device to consumers, making the reminder more likely to be used and
for a longer period of time. In another exemplary embodiment, the
display means could also be adapted to contain written material or
notes from the consumer, the distributor, or both.
[0013] The alerting cycle provides a further opportunity to
increase customer acceptance of electronic reminders. Known
electronic reminders use a light emitting diode (LED) or other
display device and use a sounding means, such as a piezo buzzer;
these serve the reminding purpose but do not enhance it by
highlighting the pet owner's affection for their pet. In yet
another exemplary form, the present device provides a novel
alerting feature by alerting the user with a flashing heart-shaped
or Valentine-shaped lens that flashes in the familiar rhythm of a
human heartbeat, and, if equipped with a sound generating means, by
sounding in a like manner. Unifying the heart shape with the
flashing/alerting function creates a marketing advantage to those
companies who sell or provide the disclosed invention with the pet
medicines their customers buy, primarily for three reasons. First,
many pet medicines are heart related, so the reminding function is
reinforced more than with a typical electronic reminder. Second,
most pet medicines are purchased by pet owners who love their pets,
so the heart theme plays to that affection and tends to turn a
chore into a labor of love. Third, the enhancement of such feelings
of affection is a service that pet owners are likely to recognize
and reward with brand loyalty to the veterinary medicine suppliers
who provide it.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, use of the present invention is
enhanced by the efficiencies of modern database technology.
Companies are now able to identify, analyze and track a variety of
demographic and geographic information about their individual
customers and deliver targeted information, products and services
back to their customers to reinforce post-purchase behavior and
brand loyalty. For example, a pharmacist can provide not only a
patient her medicine, but also a printed message targeted to that
particular consumer warning her to guard against possible drug
interactions based on therapies or conditions in her own medical
history. Thus, another exemplary form of the present invention
provides a surface area onto which a distributor of the reminder
can apply a self-adhesive pre-printed label with specific database
information targeted to a certain end user or user group. For
example, a pet medicine distributor may wish to provide their
customer the convenience of having his pet's name and veterinary
clinic name and contact information on the reminder. Or, a pet
medicine distributor may wish to promote a veterinary partner local
to their customer, but different from the prescribing veterinarian,
by offering on the reminder the name and contact information of a
specific veterinary clinic with which it has partnered in a certain
geographic region. Having the label-ready surface area would permit
this kind of database intensive targeting without the high costs of
custom printing onto small quantities of electronic reminders. This
feature makes the electronic reminder customizable for the benefit
of distributors and users of the invention.
[0015] In a further exemplary form, the present invention provides
a surface area on the housing onto which a purchaser of relatively
small quantities of the invention can apply their own promotional
information, prior to redistribution to their customers. By
applying a pre-printed, self-adhesive label to a designated surface
area, just like the companies that have greater economies of scale,
a smaller company is then able to brand the product with their own
logo indicia and achieve better brand loyalty among their customer
base. These smaller companies thus are able to avoid the costs of
custom printing, which often would be cost prohibitive.
[0016] In another exemplary form, the present invention requires
only one step to begin the reminder's countdown to the next month's
dose of medicine. This step is to remove the battery isolator
pull-tab that separates the battery(ies) from the timer circuitry.
Once removed, the timer is put in circuit and immediately begins
counting down. This both preserves battery life, avoiding batteries
discharging in shipment (especially when shipment is delayed), and
makes the apparatus very easy to use, avoiding the fairly
complicated programming that is often required by reminder devices
in the present art to activate the timer circuitry. Accordingly,
the device is more likely to have its intended reminding
effect.
[0017] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the timing mechanism
that is put into effect depends upon a particular operative
sequence for the reset button. Thus, for example, the timer may
default to a monthly reminder cycle. Pressing and holding the reset
button for a short period of time, such as four seconds, would
cause the timer to give alerts on a weekly cycle. Pressing and
holding the reset button for a longer period of time, such as eight
seconds, would cause the timer to give alerts on a daily basis.
Similar timing cycles could be selected by other means, such as
pressing the button for a certain number of times in sequence.
[0018] Still other advantages of various embodiments will become
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following
description wherein there are shown and described exemplary
embodiments of this invention simply for the purposes of
illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different aspects and embodiments without departing from the
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the advantages, drawings, and
descriptions are illustrative in nature and not restrictive in
nature.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1a is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1b is a front elevational view of another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a profile view of the invention of FIG. 1
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear cutaway sectional view of the invention of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating principal
functional components of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the invention of FIG.
6.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the invention of FIG.
6.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an exploded front view of the invention of FIG.
6.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an exploded rear view of the invention of FIG.
6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the numerous figures, wherein like
references identify like elements of the invention, FIG. 1
illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprising a
housing 2 containing timer circuitry (not shown) and means for
alerting, such as a sound device (not shown) and/or an LED (not
shown) behind or illuminating a lens 3 or other transparent or
translucent material that functions as a visible alerting means.
While FIG. 1 shows the lens 3 in the shape of a heart, the lens 3
can be any shape.
[0031] In one exemplary configuration, the timing mechanism is
initiated by removal of a battery isolator pull-tab 12. When the
alert function is triggered, the alert can be acknowledged and
reset by means of a reset button 4. The reset button 4 can be a
separate, standalone button placed in a convenient location on the
housing, as shown in FIG. 1, or the lens 3 may function as a reset
button, as shown in FIG. 1a. Pressing the reset button 4 or lens 3
serving as a reset button causes the alarm function to reset
itself. Alternative configurations may be selected based on
manufacturing cost and customer preferences. The reset button 4
also may function as a test button to enable periodic testing of
various alert functions.
[0032] One or more surfaces, including but not limited to the front
or top surfaces, of the housing may comprise a handwriting surface
area 7 for handwritten notations by the consumer or end-user, a
sellers or distributors custom branding or labeling area 11
(although a logo, brand, or label can be placed elsewhere on the
housing 2), and a database information surface area 14. In another
exemplary embodiment, a display sleeve 13 provides a place for
pictures or any user-defined visual cues.
[0033] FIG. 2, which illustrates a profile view of the electronic
reminder device of FIG. 1, shows the housing 2, the top of the lens
3, which also may function as a dual lens/reset button, and the
display sleeve 13. In yet another embodiment, the lens 3 and the
display sleeve 13, may be flush with the housing 2, or inset.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention may comprises a means of
holding or fixing the reminder device at a convenient location,
such as a magnet 5 for attaching it to a metallic appliance, such
as a refrigerator. Alternatively, the device could be placed on a
wire stand, or in certain configurations, could be freestanding. As
seen in FIG. 2, a magnet 5 is seen protruding slightly from the
back of the housing 2. The battery isolator pull-tab 12 also is
seen protruding from the side of the housing 2.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the housing 2 and the magnet 5 with a rear
sectional cut-away view showing the electronic timer circuitry and
battery and the circuit board 15 as unifying all functional timer
and alert components (i.e., 4, 6, 6a, 8, 9, 10, and 12) within the
housing 2. The magnet 5 can be a common thin rubberized type magnet
of the type commonly used for removable magnetic signage used on
cars and trucks, a metallic round "button" magnet, or any other
shape of magnet strong enough to hold the device. In a preferred
embodiment, the magnet 5 is sufficiently strong to hold the device
and several sheets of paper, giving the current invention the added
usefulness of what people consider a regular "refrigerator magnet"
to do (i.e., hold up pictures, grocery lists, receipts, notes and
the like). The battery isolator pull tab 12 protrudes out of a slot
in the housing 2. The pull tab 12 initially isolates the battery 8
from the timer circuit board 15. When the pull tab 12 is removed,
the battery 8 provides power to the timer circuit board 15,
electrically connected to illumination or visual alerting means 9,
such as a light bulb or LED, under the lens 3.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows the principal function components of one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The timing
circuitry, comprising a timer 6 and integrated circuit 6a, is
powered by a battery 8, and by means of the integrated circuit and
timer is adapted to provide an activation signal to a light source
or LED 9 and/or sound generating means 10 after a set time
interval. A reset switch 4 is electrically connected to the
integrated circuit. The lens 3 covers and is illuminated by the
light source or LED 9. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 4, the reset switch 4 is incorporated with the lens 3 so as to
form one functional component.
[0037] The housing 2 may be formed of a plastic of various shapes
and colors and of a size to contain the circuitry 15 and elements
required of the apparatus to function as a timer. In one exemplary
embodiment, the housing is boxlike, with a square or rectangular
top. Alternative embodiments may be formed according to themes
appropriate to particular industries or purposes for which they
will be distributed. Thus, the housing may be in the form of a dog,
cat, other animal, a dog or cat paw, or a heart. Similarly, the
components can be varied in size and shape and location on the
housing. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the housing
2 could be in the shape of a picture frame with an or all of the
components 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, mounted or framed around a larger
display sleeve or picture area 13 such as would display a
photograph or picture of varying size, including but not limited to
a conventional 4''.times.6'' photograph.
[0038] Many interval timers include means which count down a
specified amount of time including either a visual or sound alarm
energized when the specified amount of time has elapsed. The
electronic timing circuit 6 and 6a used in this invention to
independently count down a timing interval is readily available,
well known to a person skilled in the art, and the specifics of how
a timer functions are not discussed further herein. The timer
circuitry 6 and 6a would have batteries 8 such as a button cell or
other type operably connected to said timer circuitry 6 and 6a.
Batteries of suitable strength are required to facilitate full
functionality for the duration necessary. One embodiment would be a
device that is designed to be disposable and therefore would not
have replaceable batteries. In another exemplary embodiment, the
housing 2 has a battery plate or panel 40 on the back that would
facilitate the replacing of the batteries, as seen in FIGS. 9 and
10. In one exemplary embodiment, the timer would be designed to
give an alert every twenty eight (28) to thirty (30) days over a
twelve (12) month period, and, therefore, may require several
"button" style batteries to last that period of time. However, any
combination of batteries could be used to facilitate power needs in
view of various timer duration requirements.
[0039] A battery isolator pull tab 12 aids in extending timer shelf
life. Pulling that tab 12 out is the first and only activation
required to start the countdown to an alert sequence. The
reset/test switch button 4 operably connected to the timer
circuitry 6, 6a will restart or test the timer. In one exemplary
embodiment, if the button 4 is pressed briefly it will activate the
light source 9 and/or sound generating means 10 as a test, which
will result in several timed flashes and/or beeps indicative of a
functional system. If said button 4 is pressed and held for more
than five (5) seconds or some other pre-established duration it
will reset the timer and start a new count. It also will result in
a number of timed flashes and/or beeps indicative of a functional
system that has been reset.
[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, a novel surface area to be
written or inscribed on (a "write-in label") 7 is provided. The
user can use this surface area to enter information about the
particular use, product or activity for which the present invention
is designed to alert and remind. The writing area 7 can be
comprised of material such as the signature line on the back of a
credit card, or the like. Alternatively, the writing area 7 may
comprise an erasable surface. The writing area 7 is affixed to the
housing 2 in an appropriate space, although the exact location on
the housing 2 may vary. This area 7 will allow the user of the
reminder device to write in, for example, the product or activity
that user desires to use or do and in the case of a product, where
that product is stored (e.g., "pets heart medication" and "kitchen
drawer"). Another nonexclusive example would be "change house
filter" and "down stairs closet". This feature is particularly
beneficial because it enables the invention to be used for a
multitude of medications, products, and uses, and thus the seller
of a product does not have to stock a reminder device for each
product it sells. A single configuration of a reminder timer can
thus be used for all such products.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention
includes an area or areas 11 where a seller can display a logo,
insignia, trademark, service mark, or a similar image or statement
to "personalize" or "customize" the product to advertise and
promote the seller's company or product (e.g., "ACME Veterinary
Clinic"). The logo or insignia can be printed or affixed to the
housing 2 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to direct
printing, silk-screening, a stamp, or a stick-on label. The size
and location of the logo area 11 depends on the size and shape of
the housing 2, and may, for example, be located on a side or top
surface, or elsewhere. In a preferred embodiment, the logo area 11
is of sufficient size to allow the addition of trademark indicia
such as "Your heart is why you remember.TM.".
[0042] One advantage of using a stamp or similar labels is to
facilitate the ability of a wholesaler or distributor to sell an
exemplary embodiment of the invention to several businesses without
the need to tailor each lot of the present invention to multiple
sellers. This production method lowers costs to those sellers and
ultimately, lowers costs to the consumer or final end user. The
sellers are able to then "customize" the present invention to their
own needs. An example of such a seller would be a veterinary clinic
that might not purchase enough bulk lot of units at one time to
justify the cost of manufacturer added labels. This feature could
also facilitate "customizing" a label for each device to show that
seller's (e.g., a veterinary clinic's) name and phone number for
easy user recall. As a further nonexclusive example, such labels
can be customized by a veterinary clinic to include the name of the
particular pet that reminder is to used for (e.g., "Fido's next
rabies shot is due 12/15 at 2:15 pm").
[0043] In another embodiment, a surface of the reminder has an area
where a picture or visual cue can be displayed. The picture or
visual cue can be attached or affixed through a variety of
attaching means, including but not limited to a transparent or
clear plastic shell, frame, or lens that clips, sticks, glues, or
is otherwise affixed onto the housing 2. In one exemplary
embodiment, a plastic shell, frame, or lens is clipped to the
housing through the use of integrated plastic tabs with shell, or
small tabs cut or molded into the housing 2, that the corners of a
picture could be folded into, or affixed to, with or without the
use of a transparent lens or covering. As a nonexclusive example,
an end user may attach a picture of their pet to the device so that
the user can know which pet is to have medication administered.
This would also allow the user to enjoy seeing a picture of their
pet during the time between alerts (which can be of long or short
duration) and thus give the current invention more usefulness to
that user.
[0044] FIGS. 6 through 10 show another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention with display means comprising an display
compartment 20 that covers a substantial portion of the front of
the housing 2. In this or similar alternative configurations, the
invention can function as a picture frame with a timing mechanism.
A picture or visual cue is inserted through a slot 22 on one side.
FIG. 7 shows one possible configuration with the slot 22 on the
right side of the housing 2 when viewed from the front. A battery
plate 40 provides access to one or more batteries 8, and is shown
located between two magnets 5 in this embodiment. Various faces of
the housing may be used for writing surfaces, database information
areas, logo indicia areas, or the like.
[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the display compartment 20 can
be formed as an integral part of the housing 2, or may be formed by
components of the housing, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. A inner
display plate 26 fits on the housing base 30. A front perimeter
frame 24 is placed over the inner display plate 26 to retain the
photo, picture, card, or other visual cue. The front perimeter
frame 24 prevents the material being held from falling out of the
display compartment 20, established by the gap between the front
perimeter frame 24 and inner display plate 26. The material is
inserted through a slot 22 formed on one side. These components may
be snap fit, or fastened together by clips, glue, adhesive, rivets,
screws, or a similar fastener 42. This embodiment also may reduce
the expense and difficulty of manufacturing a unitary die-cast
timer housing using current injection-mold technology, as it avoids
high rejection rates and other problems associated with using
void-creating mold blanks.
[0046] In another alternative embodiment, a small ridge, lip or
protrusion 32 may be used to inhibit the material being held from
sliding out of the display compartment 20 through the slot 22. The
protrusion 32 may be positioned at one or both ends of the slot 22,
or may extend for a portion or the entire length of the slot
22.
[0047] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the alert
function is enhanced by using the beat or rhythm of a heartbeat.
This would be accomplished by the programming of the integrated
timing circuitry 6a. The timer circuitry 6a may be preprogrammed
for a timing cycle that is appropriate for the activity associated
with the timer. When the present invention operates in alert mode,
it may flash or illuminate the lens 3 via light source means 9. The
flashing of the lens 3 may be intermittent, using the normal rhythm
of a heartbeat. The device also may provide an aural alert through
sound generating means 10, which similarly may pulse intermittently
in the frequency of a human or mammal's heartbeat. As a
nonexclusive sample, a general timing sequence could be a 100 or
200 ms alert, then a 1000 or 1500 ms pause, followed by a 100 or
200 ms alert, followed by a 1000 or 2000 ms pause, and repeat. As a
further nonexclusive sample, a general timing sequence could be a
250 or 350 ms alert, then a 1500 or 2500 ms pause, followed by a
250 or 350 ms alert, followed by a 6000 or 7000 ms pause, and
repeat. In one embodiment, the pattern would generally follow the
pattern of a human heartbeat. An alert function using this timing
is more likely to be noticed by the user, and is likely to be less
annoying that the well known constant "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP" of most
timer alerts. The heartbeat timing of the alert function also
corresponds with the trademarked phrase "Your Heart is why you
remember.TM." and other similar trademarks that invoke a
heart-related theme, especially when used in combination with a
heart-shaped lens 3 and/or picture area 13 which evokes the user's
affection for their pet.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, when the timer is used for the
first time all the user needs to do to start the timing sequence is
pull the battery isolator tab 12 out. This operably engages the
battery with the timer circuitry and will start the timing process.
In one alternative, for example, the timer may default to a one
month timing upon removal of the tab 12. Nothing else is required
of the end user until the unit provides an alert. The timing
circuitry also may send functionality alerts (visual and/or
audible), 3, 9, 10, to notify the user that the unit is
working.
[0049] As a nonexclusive example, when used for veterinary heart
medication, the unit would give an alert approximately 28 days
after the tab 12 is pulled. To conserve battery life, the unit may
only provide a limited alert initially. Thus, for example, during
days 28 and 29 (or some other suitable time period), the alert may
be purely visual, e.g., the flashing light with heartbeat pattern.
If the user has not pushed the reset button or switch 4 in that
time period, the unit would continue to provide an alert with the
same visual pattern as for the prior period, but also add an
audible tone or beep through the sounding means 10. As described
above, this could be a tone with the timing and sound of a
heartbeat. The timing cycle for this audible signal may vary. For
example, the tone or beep may sound every 10 to 15 minutes until
the unit is reset. The timing of this audible alert may be
shortened with increased passage of time without a reset. If the
unit is not reset after a period of time, such as, for example, 5
days, the device may go to a battery save mode and shut off the
alarms in whole or in part. An alert could then be provided again
when the alert period has elapsed again (e.g., twenty-eight days),
and this type of timing cycle, depending on the programming, would
continue until the desired preprogrammed time has elapsed, at which
time the unit would either shut down or continue this cycle until
the batteries 8 run down. These timing cycles are easily programmed
in a variety of different cycle times and alert timing ways through
the use of the integrated timing circuit.
[0050] In another embodiment, the timing mechanism that is put into
effect depends upon a particular operative sequence for the reset
button. Thus, for example, the timer may default to a monthly
reminder cycle. Pressing and holding the reset button for a short
period of time, such as four seconds, would cause the timer to give
alerts on a weekly cycle. Pressing and holding the reset button for
a longer period of time, such as eight seconds, would cause the
timer to give alerts on a daily basis. Similar timing cycles could
be selected by other means, such as pressing the button for a
certain number of times in sequence. The above timing examples are
in no way intended to limit the scope or range of timing options,
but only as an example of what can be programmed by those skilled
in the art and one preferred use of the invention 1.
[0051] Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and
examples have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate
the principles of the invention and its practical applications to
thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the
invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as
are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific
embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to
be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended
that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended
hereto.
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